Senior Portrait Session with Alyssa

I can't believe that my niece Alyssa is now a senior in high school.  It seemed like only yesterday when I photographed her when she was just an infant.  I should dig out those baby portraits of her and post it.  (She might kill me, but heck, they were so cute).  She was cute then and now a beautiful girl who is very smart, athletic and very outgoing.  I'm so proud to have this opportunity to photograph this special time in her life.

Senior Portrait Session with Alyssa

Hotel Monaco in San Francisco

Analiza and Robert's wedding on August 8, 2008 was so elegant and beautiful.   Of course, I'm not surprised. Analiza has style and great taste and so, I was very excited to see her design.  As soon as I walked inside the Hotel Monaco, I saw the ceremony site and was in awe of the beautiful setting.  She hired a lighting company to place two bright pink butterflies above the fireplace where the ceremony was to take place.   Very dramatic.  And, of course, lots of details. For instance, instead of table numbers, her sister Rhoda designed a replica of famous San Francisco street signs like the Filmore, Lombard, etc.  I love the decor of the hotel.  So many places to photograph and be creative.  I enjoyed photographing outside on the street as well.  I love these small, but intimate luxurious hotels in San Francisco.  They have the most amazing decor.  Now, let's talk about the bride.  She looked fantastic...the hair, the dress, the flowers.  Can you believe that  her maid of honor is her daughter and the bridesmaids are her neices?  Robert looked dashing as well.  He is so much fun and from the speeches from his friends and family, Analiza married a fantastic man.  

Analiza and Robert, your wedding was gorgeous and fun and you guys make a perfect couple.  **Click here** to view thier wedding slideshow.

Senior Portrait Session with Lauren

Lauren is not only beautiful but has a great personality to top it off.  We had a great time during our session.  We went everywhere so I can capture her fun side.  First, we went downtown, where someone had asked us if we were shooting for a magazine.  Then, we headed off to the park and back to my studio.  Every shot that I photographed Lauren produced a different look.  Wow, she has great features!  As usually, I get so excited when I am photographing and can go on forever.  I sure tired her out.  But, we got great results.   

Diva Exchange

Yesterday, I met with a group of fun and high energy women entrepreneurs.  It was so great to get together to share ideas and support each other.  We all do business in the Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay  and surrounding areas.  Our host this time was Jennifer Pendergraft of Passion Parties by Jennifer. So if there are couples out there who would like a little spice, contact Jennifer.  Thanks, Jennifer for the delicious treats and for your warm welcome.

If you are in need of any of the following services, please don't hesitate to contact these fabulous ladies:

Lori Yo - BeautiControl www.beautipage.com/loriyo 916-771-8518

Monica Goodpaster - Juice Plus -  www.HealthWithJP.com 916-521-5475

Tiffany Baldridge - Elegant Skin -  www.elegantskin.net  916-769-6997

Jennifer Pendergraft - Passion Parties by Jennifer www.jenniferdoesparties.com 916-532-2640 

Janet Brockman - Massage Service 916-205-7739

Trash the dress in SF

Mary Jane and Kone decided they wanted photos in SF after their wedding.  They planned a second ceremony in Hawaii (which by the way just happened this weekend) and they wanted to incorporate the SF backdrop in the collection to show there.   It turned out beautifully.  It was very cold and windy (no surprise there).   We went to several locations in SF with the last stop at the beach with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them.   I couldn't convince Kone to get his feet wet but the wave got to him eventually and got his shoes all wet.  Mary Jane and Kone are two fantastic people.  With Kone, you'd think he's a serious guy but he's really funny and like to tease.  Great fun and great company.

Sugar Cookies

It's been a while since I made sugar cookies and I just realized why.   For those of you who's made them before know what a mess it is to make.  The dough is really easy to make but the rolling with all the flour and sugar everywhere.  What a mess!  I thought I'd share with you the mess in my counter.  I finally gave in and made some for my son who's been begging for me to make some.  Especially the dinosaur kind.  I used to make them in dinosaur shape when they were younger when they ate and breathed dinosaurs.  However, this time, after I tried one dinosaur cut out, I went to my old standby--- the heart, star and butterfly shapes.  The dinosaurs had too many little pointed nooks that I kept losing the arms and legs.  I made one and made them happy.

I found a great tip I'd like to share with you. Instead of using flour to roll the dough, I used powdered sugar instead.  It'll keep the dough from getting hard like mine use to.  I used to keep adding flour as I rolled and as a result I ended up with tough cookies.  My kids still loved them, though.  I guess they really didn't know better.  Isn't it great having kids?  They always think you are the best at everything.  They haven't yet caught on.  Thank God!

  

Children's Portrait Session with Maddie

Maddie was a  joy to photograph.  She is so charming and loved to talk, smile and laugh.   Take a look at those cute dimples!!